# WeeChat FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Sébastien Helleu
<flashcode@flashtux.org>
version 1.5, 2016-05-05

Note | This document is written for WeeChat versions ≥ 0.3.0 but should preferably be used with latest stable version of WeeChat.

## 1. General

### 1.1. Where does the name "WeeChat" come from?

"Wee" is a recursive acronym and stands for "Wee Enhanced Environment". So complete name is "Wee Enhanced Environment for Chat".

"Wee" also means "very small" (and yes, there is other meaning, but it does not apply to WeeChat!).

### 1.2. Why choose WeeChat? X-Chat and Irssi are so good…

Because WeeChat is very light and brings innovating features.

More info on this page: https://weechat.org/about/features

## 2. Compilation / install

### 2.1. I heard about many GUIs for WeeChat. How can I compile/use them?

Some remote GUIs are available, see the links on features page: https://weechat.org/about/features

### 2.2. I can’t compile WeeChat after cloning git repository, why?

The recommended way to compile WeeChat is with cmake.

If you’re compiling with autotools (and not cmake), check that you have latest version of autoconf and automake.

The other way is to install the "devel package", which needs less dependencies. This package is built almost every day using git repository. Note that this package may not correspond exactly to git base and that it’s less convenient than git cloning for installing updates.

### 2.3. How can I install WeeChat on OS X?

It is recommended to use Homebrew, you can get help with:

    brew info weechat

You can install WeeChat with this command:

    brew install weechat --with-aspell --with-curl --with-python --with-perl --with-ruby --with-lua --with-guile

### 2.4. I’ve launched WeeChat, but I’m lost, what can I do?

For help you can type /help. For help about a command, type /help command. Keys and commands are listed in documentation.

It’s recommended for new users to read the quickstart guide: https://weechat.org/doc

## 3. Display

### 3.1. I don’t see some chars with accents, what can I do?

It’s common issue, please read carefully and check ALL solutions below:

- check that weechat is linked to libncursesw (warning: needed on most distributions but not all): ldd /path/to/weechat

- check that the "Charset" plugin is loaded with /plugin command (if it is not, then you probably need the "weechat-plugins" package)

- check the output of command /charset (on core buffer). You should see ISO-XXXXXX or UTF-8 for terminal charset. If you see ANSI_X3.4-1968 or other values, your locale is probably wrong (fix your $LANG).

- setup global decode value, for example: /set charset.default.decode "ISO-8859-15"

- if you are using UTF-8 locale:

  - check that your terminal is UTF-8 ready (terminal recommended for UTF-8 is rxvt-unicode)

  - if you are using screen, check that it is run with UTF-8 mode ("defutf8 on" in ~/.screenrc or screen -U to run screen)

- check that option weechat.look.eat_newline_glitch is off (this option may cause display bugs)

Note | UTF-8 locale is recommended for WeeChat. If you’re using ISO or other locale, please check that all your settings (terminal, screen, ..) are ISO and not UTF-8.

### 3.2. Some unicode chars are displayed in terminal but not in WeeChat, why?

This may be caused by a libc bug in function wcwidth, which should be fixed in glibc 2.22 (maybe not yet available in your distribution).

There is a workaround to use the fixed wcwidth function: https://blog.nytsoi.net/2015/05/04/emoji-support-for-weechat

See this bug report for more information: https://github.com/weechat/weechat/issues/79

### 3.3. Bars like title and status are not filled, background color stops after text, why?

This may be caused by a bad value of the TERM variable in your shell (look at output of echo $TERM in your terminal).

Depending on where you launch WeeChat, you should have:

- if WeeChat runs locally or on a remote machine without screen nor tmux, it depends on the terminal used: xterm, xterm-256color, rxvt-unicode, rxvt-256color, …

- if WeeChat runs under screen, you should have screen or screen-256color,

- if WeeChat runs under tmux, you should have tmux, tmux-256color, screen or screen-256color.

If needed, fix your TERM variable: export TERM="xxx".

### 3.4. When I’m using weechat under screen/tmux, I have weird random chars, how do I fix that?

This may be caused by bad value of the TERM variable in your shell (look at output of echo $TERM in your terminal, outside screen/tmux).

For example, xterm-color may display such weird chars, you can use xterm which is OK (like many other values).

If needed, fix your TERM variable: export TERM="xxx".

### 3.5. I compiled WeeChat under OS X, and I see "(null)" everywhere on screen, what’s wrong?

If you compiled ncursesw yourself, try to use standard ncurses (that comes with system).

Moreover, under OS X, it is recommended to install WeeChat with Homebrew package manager.

### 3.6. I heard about "buffers" and "windows", what’s the difference?

A buffer is composed by a number, a name, lines displayed (and some other data).

A window is a screen area which displays a buffer. It is possible to split your screen into many windows.

Each window displays one buffer. A buffer can be hidden (not displayed by a window) or displayed by one or more windows.

### 3.7. How to display the buffers list on the left side?

Use script buffers.pl:

    /script install buffers.pl

To limit size of bar:

    /set weechat.bar.buffers.size_max 15

To move bar to bottom:

    /set weechat.bar.buffers.position bottom

### 3.8. How can I reduce length of nicks or remove nick alignment in chat area?

To reduce max length of nicks in chat area:

    /set weechat.look.prefix_align_max 15

To remove nick alignment:

    /set weechat.look.prefix_align none

### 3.9. How to use command line with more than one line?

The option size in input bar can be set to a value higher than 1 (for fixed size, default size is 1) or 0 for dynamic size, and then option size_max will set the max size (0 = no limit).

Example with dynamic size:

    /set weechat.bar.input.size 0

Max size of 2:

    /set weechat.bar.input.size_max 2

### 3.10. Is it possible to display only one input bar for all windows (after split)?

Yes, you will have to create a bar with type "root" (with an item to know in which window you are), then delete current input bar.

For example:

    /bar add rootinput root bottom 1 0 [buffer_name]+[input_prompt]+(away),[input_search],[input_paste],input_text
    /bar del input

If ever you are not satisfied with that, just delete new bar, WeeChat will automatically create default bar "input" if item "input_text" is not used in any bar:

    /bar del rootinput

### 3.11. How can I copy/paste text without pasting nicklist?

With WeeChat ≥ 1.0, you can use the bare display (default key: alt+l).

You can use a terminal with rectangular selection (like rxvt-unicode, konsole, gnome-terminal, …). Key is usually ctrl+alt+ mouse selection.

Another solution is to move nicklist to top or bottom, for example:

    /set weechat.bar.nicklist.position top

### 3.12. How can I click on long URLs (more than one line)?

With WeeChat ≥ 1.0, you can use the bare display (default key: alt+l).

By default, WeeChat displays time and prefix for each line and optional bars around chat area. To make easier URL click, you can move nicklist to top and remove alignment on nick:

    /set weechat.bar.nicklist.position top
    /set weechat.look.prefix_align none
    /set weechat.look.align_end_of_lines time

With WeeChat ≥ 0.3.6, you can enable option "eat_newline_glitch", so that new line char is not added at the end of each line displayed (it will not break URL selection):

    /set weechat.look.eat_newline_glitch on

Important | This option may cause display bugs. If you experience such problem, you must turn off this option.

Other solution is to use a script:

    /script search url

### 3.13. I want to change the language used by WeeChat for messages, but without exiting WeeChat, is it possible?

Yes, with WeeChat ≥ 1.0:

    /set env LANG en_US.UTF-8
    /upgrade

With older WeeChat:

    /script install shell.py
    /shell setenv LANG=en_US.UTF-8
    /upgrade

### 3.14. How can I use 256 colors in WeeChat?

256 colors are supported with WeeChat ≥ 0.3.4.

First check that your TERM environment variable is correct, recommended values are:

- under screen: screen-256color

- under tmux: screen-256color or tmux-256color

- outside screen/tmux: xterm-256color, rxvt-256color, putty-256color, …

Note | You may have to install package "ncurses-term" to use these values in TERM variable.

If you are using screen, you can add this line to your ~/.screenrc:

    term screen-256color

If your TERM variable has wrong value and that WeeChat is already running, you can change it with these two commands (with WeeChat ≥ 1.0):

    /set env TERM screen-256color
    /upgrade

For version 0.3.4, you must use command /color to add new colors.

For versions ≥ 0.3.5, you can use any color number in options (optional: you can add color aliases with command /color).

Please read user’s guide for more information about colors management.

### 3.15. How can I search text in buffer (like /lastlog in irssi)?

The default key is ctrl+r (command is: /input search_text_here). And jump to highlights: alt+p / alt+n.

See user’s guide for more info about this feature (default key bindings).

### 3.16. How can I execute commands when terminal gets/loses focus?

You must enable the focus events with a special code sent to terminal.

Important:

- Currently, only xterm seems to support this feature.

- It does not work under screen/tmux.

To send the code when WeeChat is starting:

    /set weechat.startup.command_after_plugins "/print -stdout \033[?1004h\n"

And then you bind two keys for the focus (replace the /print commands by the commands of your choice):

    /key bind meta2-I /print -core focus
    /key bind meta2-O /print -core unfocus

## 4. Key bindings

### 4.1. Some meta keys (alt + key) are not working, why?

If you’re using some terminals like xterm or uxterm, some meta keys does not work by default. You can add a line in file ~/.Xresources:

- for xterm:

    XTerm*metaSendsEscape: true

- for uxterm:

    UXTerm*metaSendsEscape: true

And then reload resources (xrdb -override ~/.Xresources) or restart X.

### 4.2. How can I customize key bindings?

Key bindings are customizable with /key command.

Default key alt+k lets you grab key code and insert it in command line.

### 4.3. What is the key to jump to buffer 11 (or higher number)?

The key is alt+j and then 2 digits, for example alt+j, 1, 1 to jump to buffer 11.

You can bind a key, for example:

    /key bind meta-q /buffer *11

List of default keys is in User’s guide.

### 4.4. How to use global history (instead of buffer history) with up and down keys?

You can bind the up and down keys on global history (default keys for global history are ctrl+↑ and ctrl+↓).

Example:

    /key bind meta2-A /input history_global_previous
    /key bind meta2-B /input history_global_next

Note | Keys "meta2-A" and "meta2-B" may be different in your terminal. To find key code press alt+k then key (up or down).

## 5. Mouse

### 5.1. Mouse is not working at all, what can I do?

Mouse is supported with WeeChat ≥ 0.3.6.

First try to enable mouse:

    /mouse enable

If mouse is still not working, check the TERM variable in your shell (look at output of echo $TERM in your terminal). According to terminfo used, mouse may not be supported.

You can test mouse support in terminal:

    $ printf '\033[?1002h'

And then click on first char of terminal (upper left). You should see " !!#!!".

To disable mouse in terminal:

    $ printf '\033[?1002l'

### 5.2. Mouse does nothing for X or Y greater than 94 (or 222), why?

Some terminals are sending only ISO chars for mouse coordinates, so it does not work for X/Y greater than 94 (or 222).

You should use a terminal that supports UTF-8 coordinates for mouse, like rxvt-unicode.

### 5.3. How can I select or paste text in terminal when mouse is enabled in WeeChat?

When mouse is enabled in WeeChat, you can use shift modifier to select or click in terminal, as if the mouse was disabled (on some terminals like iTerm, you have to use alt instead of shift).

## 6. IRC

### 6.1. I have some problems when connecting to a server using SSL, what can I do?

If you are using Mac OS X, you must install openssl from Homebrew. A CA file will be bootstrapped using certificates from the system keychain. You can then set the path to certificates in WeeChat:

    /set weechat.network.gnutls_ca_file "/usr/local/etc/openssl/cert.pem"

If you see errors about gnutls handshake, you can try to use a smaller Diffie-Hellman key (default is 2048):

    /set irc.server.example.ssl_dhkey_size 1024

If you see errors about certificate, you can disable "ssl_verify" (be careful, connection will be less secure by doing that):

    /set irc.server.example.ssl_verify off

If the server has an invalid certificate and you know what the certificate should be, you can specify the fingerprint (SHA-512, SHA-256 or SHA-1):

    /set irc.server.example.ssl_fingerprint 0c06e399d3c3597511dc8550848bfd2a502f0ce19883b728b73f6b7e8604243b

### 6.2. When connecting to server with SSL, I see only error "TLS handshake failed", what can I do?

You can try a different priority string (WeeChat ≥ 0.3.5 only), replace "xxx" by your server name:

    /set irc.server.xxx.ssl_priorities "NORMAL:-VERS-TLS-ALL:+VERS-TLS1.0:+VERS-SSL3.0:%COMPAT"

### 6.3. How can I connect to freenode server using SSL?

Set option weechat.network.gnutls_ca_file to file with certificates:

    /set weechat.network.gnutls_ca_file "/etc/ssl/certs/ca-certificates.crt"

Note | Check that you have this file on your system (commonly brought by package "ca-certificates").

Setup server port, SSL, then connect:

    /set irc.server.freenode.addresses "chat.freenode.net/7000"
    /set irc.server.freenode.ssl on
    /connect freenode

### 6.4. How to connect to a server that requires "oauth"?

Some servers like twitch require oauth to connect.

The oauth is simply a password with the value "oauth:XXXX".

You can add such server and connect with following commands (replace name and address by appropriate values):

    /server add name irc.server.org -password=oauth:XXXX
    /connect name

### 6.5. How can I be identified before joining channels?

If server supports SASL, you should use that instead of sending command for nickserv authentication, for example:

    /set irc.server.freenode.sasl_username "mynick"
    /set irc.server.freenode.sasl_password "xxxxxxx"

If server does not support SASL, you can add a delay (between command and join of channels):

    /set irc.server.freenode.command_delay 5

### 6.6. What is the difference between the /ignore and /filter commands?

The /ignore command is an IRC command, so it applies only for IRC buffers (servers and channels). It lets you ignore some nicks or hostnames of users for a server or channel (command will not apply on content of messages). Matching messages are deleted by IRC plugin before display (so you’ll never see them).

The /filter command is a core command, so it applies to any buffer. It lets you filter some lines in buffers with tags or regular expression for prefix and content of line. Filtered lines are only hidden, not deleted, and you can see them if you disable filters (by default, the key alt+= toggles filters).

### 6.7. How can I filter join/part/quit messages on IRC channels?

With smart filter (keep join/part/quit from users who spoke recently):

    /set irc.look.smart_filter on
    /filter add irc_smart * irc_smart_filter *

With a global filter (hide all join/part/quit):

    /filter add joinquit * irc_join,irc_part,irc_quit *

Note | For help: /help filter and /help irc.look.smart_filter

### 6.8. How can I filter some messages displayed when I join an IRC channel?

With WeeChat ≥ 0.4.1, you can choose which messages are displayed or not when joining a channel with the option irc.look.display_join_message (see /help irc.look.display_join_message for more info).

To hide messages (but keep them in buffer), you can filter them using the tag (for example irc_329 for channel creation date). See /help filter for help with filters.

### 6.9. How can I filter voice messages (eg on Bitlbee server)?

It’s not easy to filter voice messages, because voice mode can be set with other modes in same IRC message.

If you want to do that, it’s probably because Bitlbee is using voice to show away users, and you are flooded with voice messages. Therefore, you can change that and let WeeChat use a special color for away nicks in nicklist.

For Bitlbee ≥ 3, do that on channel &bitlbee:

    channel set show_users online,away

For older version of Bitlbee, do that on channel &bitlbee:

    set away_devoice false

For checking away nicks in WeeChat, see question about away nicks.

If you really want to filter voice messages, you can use this command, but this is not perfect (will work only if first mode changed is voice):

    /filter add hidevoices * irc_mode (\+|\-)v

### 6.10. How can I see away nicks in nicklist?

You have to set option irc.server_default.away_check to a positive value (minutes between each check of away nicks).

You can set option irc.server_default.away_check_max_nicks to limit away check on small channels only.

For example, check every 5 minutes for away nicks, for channels with max 25 nicks:

    /set irc.server_default.away_check 5
    /set irc.server_default.away_check_max_nicks 25

Note | For WeeChat ≤ 0.3.3, options are irc.network.away_check and irc.network.away_check_max_nicks.

### 6.11. How can I be warned when someone highlights me on a channel?

With WeeChat ≥ 1.0, there is a default trigger "beep" which sends a BEL to the terminal on a highlight or private message. Thus you can configure your terminal (or multiplexer like screen/tmux) to run a command or play a sound when a BEL occurs.

Or you can add a command in "beep" trigger:

    /set trigger.trigger.beep.command "/print -beep;/exec -bg /path/to/command arguments"

With an older WeeChat, you can use a script like beep.pl or launcher.pl.

For launcher.pl, you have to setup command:

    /set plugins.var.perl.launcher.signal.weechat_highlight "/path/to/command arguments"

Other scripts on this subject:

    /script search notify

### 6.12. How can I change target buffer for commands on merged buffers (like buffer with servers)?

The default key is ctrl+x (command is: /input switch_active_buffer).

## 7. Plugins / scripts

### 7.1. I’m using OpenBSD and WeeChat does not load any plugins, what’s wrong?

Under OpenBSD, plugin filenames end with ".so.0.0" (".so" for Linux).

You must set that up:

    /set weechat.plugin.extension ".so.0.0"
    /plugin autoload

### 7.2. How can I install scripts? Are scripts compatible with other IRC clients?

You can use the command /script to install and manage scripts (see /help script for help).

Scripts are not compatible with other IRC clients.

## 8. Settings

### 8.1. How can I tweak WeeChat to consume less memory?

You can try following tips to consume less memory:

- use the latest stable version (it is supposed to have less memory leaks than older versions)

- do not load some plugins if you don’t use them, for example: aspell, fifo, logger, perl, python, ruby, lua, tcl, guile, javascript, xfer (used for DCC)

- load only scripts that you really need

- do not load certificates if SSL is NOT used: set empty string in option weechat.network.gnutls_ca_file

- reduce value of option weechat.history.max_buffer_lines_number or set value of option weechat.history.max_buffer_lines_minutes

- reduce value of option weechat.history.max_commands

### 8.2. How can I tweak WeeChat to use less CPU?

You can follow same tips as for memory, and these ones:

- hide "nicklist" bar: /bar hide nicklist

- remove display of seconds in status bar time: /set weechat.look.item_time_format "%H:%M" (this is the default value)

- set the TZ variable (for example: export TZ="Europe/Paris"), to prevent frequent access to file /etc/localtime

## 9. Development

### 9.1. How should I report bugs, ask for new features or send patches?

See: https://weechat.org/dev/support

### 9.2. When I run WeeChat under gdb, there is error about threads, what can I do?

When you run WeeChat under gdb, you may have this error:

    $ gdb /path/to/weechat
    (gdb) run
    [Thread debugging using libthread_db enabled]
    Cannot find new threads: generic error

To fix that, you can run gdb with this command (replace path to libpthread and WeeChat with paths on your system):

    $ LD_PRELOAD=/lib/libpthread.so.0 gdb /path/to/weechat
    (gdb) run

### 9.3. What is the list of supported platforms for WeeChat? Will it be ported to other operating systems?

The full list is on this page: https://weechat.org/download

We do our best to run on as many platforms as possible. Help is welcome for some OS' we don’t have, to test WeeChat.

### 9.4. I want to help WeeChat developers. What can I do?

There’s many tasks to do (testing, code, documentation, …)

Please contact us via IRC or mail, look at support page: https://weechat.org/dev/support

### 9.5. Can I give money or other things to WeeChat developers?

You can give us money to help development. Details on https://weechat.org/about/donate